Come off of back-to-back losses for the first time in his professional career, Machida was asked how he felt about a controversial decision loss to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson last November now that he had had time to reflect on the experience.

“At the end of the fight against Quinton, I did feel I had done enough to secure the victory,” Machida said, adding, “but the judges are the ones making the call and I have to respect their decision.

“I did what I had to do. The fight should have been finished but it’s hard to say what went wrong.”

Machida’s straightforward tone was applied to all of his responses, and while he said he could care less if he was ever offered a rematch against Jackson, the loss has clearly left a sour taste in his mouth. What’s more, many of his former fans have turned their backs on the former champ because of his current losing streak. For his part, Machida accepts it as an eventuality, rather than a consequence, of competing at the highest levels of MMA.

“This is a fast moving sport,” Machida said. “I was at the top of the division, and now I have to work hard to get back to the top. I do believe my fans have always been there supporting me and they will continue. MMA fans are very passionate; they care a lot about the sport and the fighters, so it’s great to see our fans.”

Asked if he ever thought he would get the chance to fight a legend in Couture, Machida said he did not know, but now that the opportunity is upon him, he plans to make the most of it.

“The time is right now and it is going to happen,” Machida said. “I am honored and looking forward to fighting Couture. He is a legend in our sport, he has done a lot to popularize MMA, especially with the American fans, and has been involved in historic fights. I believe this fight won’t by any different.”

At the end of the day, however, Machida sees Couture as just another puzzle “The Dragon” has to solve.

“He is going to impose his game, but I will counter,” Machida said. “I will be very prepared. There is no pressure on me for the title. I want to be involved in great fights and make my way back to the top.”

Machida will take on Couture on the main card of UFC 129, which kicks off April 30 with both the welterweight and featherweight titles on the line.

[...] But now that there is no title looming over his head, nor is it a number one contender fight, Machida feels relaxed and once again ready to dominate the landscape he once ruled over (via Tapology): [...]